How to Convert Notebook LCD to Monitor

If your desktop computer's monitor is on the fritz or you'd like to use a dual screen setup you don't need to buy an entirely new monitor. As long as you have an old notebook computer handy you can convert its LCD screen to a monitor. To use a notebook computer as a screen you will need to have both your desktop and notebook computers attached to a network. From there you can take advantage of dual monitor software programs available online which let you use the notebook's LCD screen as a monitor.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ethernet cables
• Router
• Notebook computer

1. Connect your router's AC adapter to a wall outlet. Insert the router's installation CD into the desktop computer's disk drive. Follow the instructions on the screen to install the router software.

2. Connect an Ethernet cable from the Ethernet port on the desktop computer to one of the numbered ports on the back of the router. Run a second Ethernet cable from the Ethernet port on the notebook computer to one of the ports on the back of the router.

3. Open the Start menu on the desktop computer and choose "Control Panel." Navigate to the "Network and Sharing Center" and select "Connect to a Network." Follow the instructions on the screen to connect to the router.

4. Repeat the connection process on the notebook computer. Follow the Resources link to a program that creates a dual monitor setup, such as "Maxivista" or "Synergy."

5. Download the dual monitor utility. Follow the installation instructions on the screen until the installation wizard asks which type of computer you are using. Select "Secondary PC" to let the program know the notebook will be the secondary monitor.

6. Return to the desktop computer. Download and install the dual monitor program, and set the program to "Primary PC."

7. Locate the dual monitor program's icon in the task bar. Right-click the icon and select "Enable Secondary Display" to use the notebook's LCD screen as a secondary monitor.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use a dual monitor utility with a wireless router as long as the desktop and notebook computers both have wireless network cards. Setup the network as normal but simply leave out the Ethernet cables. If you don't want to setup a full network you can also use a crossover cable to directly connect the two computers. Attach the crossover cable to the Ethernet ports on both of the computers and then access the network setup window as normal.
• The menu options you need to choose to setup a network will vary if you have an operating system other than Windows Vista.

References

• Using a laptop as a second monitor
• Using Maxivista

Resources

• Download Maxivista
• Download Synergy